Brent C.
Yelp
How many ways can you reinvent a classic treat like ice cream? Three former Go Daddy employees apparently believe they've got what it takes to make their own mark in the ever popular (and ever saturated) ice cream field. Owners Brian Ayala, Domenico Nolleti, and David Wesley are making a point of sourcing their stuff locally and often. With a bevy of ice cream flavors all made by Superstition Farms and a variety of macaron cookies all baked by Twelve Cakes Bakery, the ownership trio have now opened a pair of Fatty Daddy locations in the valley. The flagship remains in Scottsdale. Now Downtown Phoenix is getting in on the action. Downtown has its fair share of ice cream options, and some good ones (Melt, Novel, and even Mary Coyle are all in the vicinity). Does Fatty Daddy have what it takes to join the party? On a Saturday after dinner, I sought answers.
Look for Fatty Daddy's Downtown location on the south side of Roosevelt Street and 2nd Avenue on the bottom floor of the Union apartment complex (next door to Genuwine). The space it occupies is small with very little seating (at least as of my visit this go around), so be prepared to get your treat to go. The front display case beckons your taste buds and the staff will happily allow you to taste test the flavors beforehand. In addition to ice cream, there's teas, coffees, and an assortment of pastries available as an alternative to their staples.
I came here for what is apparently their claim to fame. The cookie cup. A scoop (or multiple scoops) of ice cream topped with one of their macarons and a toasted marshmallow. Alright then. I ordered a scoop of Nutella ice cream and a caramel macaron to go with the marshmallow on top. Total cost including tax? About $8. The ice cream itself was perfect. Cold, dense, and plenty of Nutella flavoring with each scoop and even a little aftertaste. The macaron and marshmallow were also delicious, though to be honest trying to operate this cup with a spoon was difficult. I ended up having to eat the cookie and marshmallow by hand as it's pretty impossible to cut up. Individually the ingredients are great and ideally getting a chunk of all three in one bite would be ideal. For me at least, it just wasn't workable.
So I guess I'd dock a star mainly just because the logistics of the cookie cup are just too overly complicated. But as it pertains to the locally made ice cream and macarons, no complaints whatsoever. The location is great. The concept (for the most part) is sound. And I love the emphasis on locally made. Can Fatty Daddy's compete with the big ice cream names (not to mention the gelato and frozen yogurt spots) already occupying Downtown real estate? I'd say watch this space (and come get a scoop).